I own a running '73 280 SE 4.5. Stored with dad is a '70 300SEL 3.5 with the engine and tranny out (mine, but it has plans). He also has a 280SE but the engine is shot. Also, dad's 250S with the Ford 289 I mention from time to time is being considered for the crusher.

So, the plan is this: the ford running gear goes to the 300 (let's all express outrage and horror elsewhere and agree now that such an amalgamation will never win at Pebble Beach) and the engine and tranny in mine goes to the better-bodied 280.

All the best bits, chrome, surrounds, interior, et al gets cobbled into the two best piles of stuff.